Did you realize that kids today are more likely to choose video games or television over reading? Unfortunately, this will clearly affect their abilities and academic success. Did you know that the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), a division of the US Department of Education that provides results on student achievement, has directly linked reading for fun with academic success? Did you know that, as part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative, the Department of Education kicked off Let’s Read! in July 2011?

That’s a lot of questions, I know, but the tons of statistics out there all point to one BIG answer: All children benefit from learning to read; reading more; and reading for enjoyment.

We need to lure children away from video games, social media, and television and show them that reading can be just as incredible and engaging. Did you know that only 27% of NY 4^th graders scored Proficient on the NAEP (National Assessment of Education Progress) ELA testing? And only 9% scored Advanced? That means that 64% of NYS 4^th grade students scored Basic or Below Basic on the assessment. The 8^th grade numbers are just as compelling: 30% Proficient, 9% Advanced, and the remaining 66% at Basic or Below. We need to motivate these kids to read more. Reading MORE = reading better. Let’s see if we can get our students to work on that equation!

One key to inspiring children to read more for fun is to present reading in an entertaining way. If a student sees reading as a chore, they will resist it. This makes total sense. Nobody considers chores to be fun, do they? Reading Assembly Programs for elementary and intermediate schools can keep our students interested in reading and maybe even encourage them to read more! New York PTA and PTO organizations are searching for assemblies that support PARP (Parents as Reading Partners) and that are interesting, fun, and good additions to their curriculums.

This is where I come in. My "Read to Succeed" program is a perfect accompaniment to book fairs, Turn Off TV Week, National Library Week, Dr. Seuss’s Birthday Celebration, and of course the First Lady’s Let’s Read!

In my programs, I introduce popular children’s books to get kids excited about them with my magic. I talk about how life inside of books is like finding a treasure. I stress the importance of taking good care of books – especially library books. My reading assembly will not only motivate students to read, teachers and administrators will have renewed ideas and interests as well… After all, who doesn’t like magic?

Why not offer your students some valuable lessons about reading in an entertaining, engaging, and totally unique way? "Read to Succeed" will illuminate the magic of reading for your elementary students!

Reading School Assembly Program Reviews

Laura S., School Counselor, School 16 - Troy, New York

Amazing Magic Tricks:  Magic is a universal attention-getter. Children and adults alike love magic. I use my magic to enhance NY students’ love of reading and even visiting the library!

Age-Appropriate Humor:  Who doesn’t love to laugh? I use humor to motivate your students’ interest in books and reading. There won’t be any getting bored and misbehaving during the program – they’ll be too busy laughing!